Council On Aging Distributes Over $28K Worth Of Christmas Presents
December 21, 2017
Every year since 2009, Council on Aging of West Florida has asked Escambia and Santa Rosa county residents to help make Christmas special for our clients age 60 and over, and every year, the community answers the call. Approximately $28,300 worth of gifts were donated to Council on Aging beginning in mid-November and continuing through the week before Christmas. These gifts included blankets, craft supplies, vacuums, microwaves, space heaters, hygiene products and more courtesy of individuals and organizations.
The holidays can be an especially lonely time for vulnerable elders, as many of their friends and family have either passed away or no longer live nearby. The delivery of these gifts – made to homebound seniors through the Meals on Wheels program, Senior Dining Sites and other initiatives – infuses their end-of-year season with joy.
“Receiving these gifts not only makes a tangible impact by disbursing the necessities of life to these low-income elders, but it also makes an emotional impact when they see that they have not been forgotten, that people still care,” said Josh Newby, marketing communications director at Council on Aging. “They are reminded that they can still be active in their community, and that is the greatest gift of all.”
Nearly 1,500 older adults received Christmas gifts through the initiative this year.
“Our clients are so grateful for these gifts,” said Margaret Jerauld, activities supervisor at Council on Aging who helps oversee the Christmas program each year. “These may be the only presents they receive and the only quality interaction they have during the holidays, so it makes a transformative impact.”
In addition to the presents that delivered holiday cheer to hundreds of aging adults, the agency helps distribute hundreds of blankets and heaters to senior citizens who are particularly vulnerable to the cold weather this time of year, and we are still receiving donations of these items.
If you are interested in volunteering to help Council on Aging, or if you would like to drop off any new heaters or blankets, call (850) 432-1475.
Poarch Creek Indians Hold Annual Christmas Parade
December 20, 2017
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians held their annual Christmas Parade Tuesday evening in Poarch. The parade was originally scheduled for Friday, December 8 but was postponed by winter weather.
For more parade highlight photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Delaney Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Photos: Santa Claus Visits Molino Park Elementary
December 19, 2017
Santa Claus visited Molino Park Elementary School last week for Christmas Pajama and Party Day
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Local Woman Celebrates 105th Birthday
December 18, 2017
Myrtle Louise Joiner Peacock Gilmore recently celebrated her 105th birthday, surrounded by family and friends, at Solaris HealthCare on University Parkway.
When asked if she was having a good birthday, she replied, “I’ve had so many Happy Birthdays, I’ve run out of places to keep them.”
Myrtle attributes her long life to being thankful. She has said that she rarely goes more than a few minutes without thanking the Lord for all He’s done for her and her family.
Bratt Elementary Names Students Of The Month
December 18, 2017
The following students were named Students of the Month for December at Bratt Elementary School.
Pre-K
KayLeigh Morris
Michael Flowers
Kindergarten
Jadon Long
Weston Spicer
Houston Smith
Makyla Mason
Brylynn McGhee
1st Grade
Nathan Gilmore
Mason Helton
Pryce Flowers
Parker Marsh
2nd Grade
Sawyer Gilmore
Eli Anthony
Waylon Pardue
Kaylee Wilson
3rd Grade
Wesley Lambeth
Michael Griffs
Annberly Dunn
4th Grade
Reagan Peebles
Aydin Odom
Jasmine Zisa
James Patrick
5th Grade
Hannah Smith
Kaya Mason
JaCee Dortch
Anthony Miller
Houston Smith and Michael Griffs have been chosen to represent Bratt Elementary for Escambia County Students of the Month for December
Taking The ‘Journey Through Bethlehem’ In Bratt (With Gallery)
December 17, 2017
The First Baptist Church of Bratt presented a live nativity event Saturday evening — Journey Through Bethlehem.
Visitors were able to walk the road through Bethlehem and experience the Christmas story come to life as they were able to see the shepherds in the field, learn from the villagers, be turned away by the innkeeper that had no room and see the Holy Family in the stable.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Santa And Mrs. Claus Attend Century Chamber’s Christmas Open House
December 16, 2017
Santa and Mrs. Claus made a special appearance recently at the Century Area Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Open House. Pictuerd with Santa and Mrs. Claus is Century Chamber of Commerce President Freddie McCall. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Band Presents Christmas Concert
December 15, 2017
The Northview High School Band presented their annual Christmas concert Thursday night at the school.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Students Present Christmas Play
December 15, 2017
Ernest Ward Middle School drama students presented their annual Christmas play Thursday night at the school.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photo Gallery: Santa Visits Molino Branch Library
December 15, 2017
Santa Claus made a special appearance this week at the Molino Branch Library for a pajama story time. The Jolly Old Elf also took the time to visit with the children and hear their Christmas wishes.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
